Carlo Ancelotti has been added to the list of candidates to replace Roberto Mancini

It is now 99 per cent certain that Mancini will be gone in the summer – and Pellegrini, Ancelotti, Klopp or Simeone will be the new manager.

A Manchester City insider

Simeone, 42, and Ancelotti, 53, join Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini and Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp as the main names in the frame to assume the Eastlands hotseat for 2013-14.

Former Argentina midfield ace Simeone, who famously clashed with David Beckham at France 98, is one of a trio of top foreign bosses on the radar of the English ­champions.

Sources in France and Spain also claim City have sounded out former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti about the job.

Ancelotti is expected to leave PSG at the end of the season after next and has a break clause in his contract allowing him to walk this summer – but he must activate it before April 30.

City bigwig Ferran Soriano has already contacted his agent about coming to Eastlands – but faces ­competition from Real Madrid.

These latest developments are more bad news for current City boss Mancini as the speculation surrounding his future in the position refuses to go away.

Despite being on course to land the FA Cup – and make it three trophies in as many years – the Italian’s reign appears all but over.

Even a recent upturn in fortunes has failed to convince Soriano to stick with him.

Mancini does have the backing of the fans but spats with several stars, as well as poor performances in Europe and the Premier League, have left him in grave danger of the sack.

A City insider told the Daily Star Sunday: “It is now 99 per cent certain that Mancini will be gone in the summer – and Pellegrini, Ancelotti, Klopp or Simeone will be the new manager.”

Pellegrini, 59, is first choice following his superb spell with Malaga. However, City know they could miss out amid what is certain to be a crazy close-season ­managerial merry-go-round.

Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG are all expected to be looking for a new coach too – with Pellegrini and Klopp likely to feature on their wish lists. That is why City have earmarked Simeone as a high-quality alternative.

Since taking charge of Atletico in December 2011, he has steered the club to Europa League and UEFA Super Cup glory – and his side are closing in on third place in La Liga.